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kevcoops6849
Contributor II
Dec 6, 2014 3:32 PM UTC

Best optical switch for playbar?

Hi could anyone help me with choosing a good optical switch to work with my playbar as so i can get the best out of my sky box,ps4,xbox one and apple tv as i believe I'm not getting the best out of my sons set up(playbar,sub,2xplay 1s)when the optical is connected to my tv and not the actual devices themselves. any ideas would be great.
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    23 replies

    Thunderbyte
    Thunderbyte
    Prominent Collaborator I
    Dec 6, 2014 5:32 PM UTC
    As an optical SPDIF connection is digital, it doesn't matter at all, what switch you use, nor which cables.

    I have bought http://amzn.com/B003C15798 , which is a 4x inputs, 2x outputs remote controlled switch. It is controllable via Logitech Harmony remotes as well.
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    1 Playbar | 1 Sub | 2x Play:5 | 1x Play:3 | 2x Play:1 | 1x Sonos One
    odlund
    Contributor I
    Dec 6, 2014 7:37 PM UTC
    Unless you want a switch only for optical, I'd recommend taking a look at the Octava Unit. Not the cheapest solution, but it works really well!
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    Thunderbyte
    Thunderbyte
    Prominent Collaborator I
    Dec 6, 2014 8:37 PM UTC
    That Octava looks really nice! My SPDIF and HDMI switching is in two separate switches up to now. But this would combine both and add bonus features. Neat!
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    1 Playbar | 1 Sub | 2x Play:5 | 1x Play:3 | 2x Play:1 | 1x Sonos One
    BarackOdrama
    Lyricist III
    Dec 7, 2014 3:28 AM UTC
    The Octava is all you need. It is pricey but it is the ultimate solution.
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    Thunderbyte
    Thunderbyte
    Prominent Collaborator I
    Dec 7, 2014 12:01 PM UTC
    The Octava is all you need. It is pricey but it is the ultimate solution.

    The only thing I am missing are 2 HDMI outputs. I have a LCD TV and beamer/projection screen combination and want to be able to select which input device I want to output on each. But then again, there are 1in, 2out splitters. If the Octava would have had that second HDMI, it would have been the most perfect device for me.
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    1 Playbar | 1 Sub | 2x Play:5 | 1x Play:3 | 2x Play:1 | 1x Sonos One
    BrentD
    Avid Contributor I
    Dec 12, 2014 6:55 PM UTC
    Save $200 and get this Monoprice model.

    http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=5557&seq=1&format=2

    It does the same thing. I mean no disrespect, but I can't for the life of me figure out why people on here recommend the Octava so often when it is exponentially more expensive than alternatives that do the same thing. The only difference I can tell is the Octava also has optical inputs, but if your sources all feed the same audio via HDMI there's really not much point in that.

    What you need for your specific requirements is a matrix switch. This one gets pretty good reviews and is $60-ish. 4 HDMI inputs, 2 outputs, optical out for your Playbar.

    http://www.firefold.com/4x2-hdmi-matrix-switch
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    odlund
    Contributor I
    Dec 12, 2014 7:28 PM UTC
    My reason for getting the Octava over the MonoPrice is that the PS3 can be made to convert DTS to DD, but only for output via Optical not HDMI, so I needed a switch with optical inputs.
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    Thunderbyte
    Thunderbyte
    Prominent Collaborator I
    Dec 13, 2014 1:22 PM UTC
    The Octava is expensive, maybe even more expensive than a HDMI and a separate optical switch. But the advantage over the monoprice device is, that it is integrating both functions in one device, which gives additional functionality.

    For sure, not everybody needs that, but it is nice to know that it exists. I for my part do use my optical switch for my computer sound (no video involved, no HDMI) and use both for my Boxee Box (video via HDMI, audio via optical switch). I really would appreciate the Octava.
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    1 Playbar | 1 Sub | 2x Play:5 | 1x Play:3 | 2x Play:1 | 1x Sonos One
    bluerum
    Lyricist III
    Dec 15, 2014 10:51 PM UTC
    Hi All,
    New user here. Been following the boards over the last year and took the plunge with Playbar, P1's and Sub for bedroom HT 6 months ago.
    Finally got my Monoprice MD-415ARC and hooked up PS3, ATV, FIOS Motorola cable box. only got it working properly with the Harmony Ultimate after some tweaks. leaving it powered on, ARC off, dip switch in soundbarconfig etc etc.

    huge world of diff with 5.1 compared to the crappy 2.0 out of my Samsung VT.
    and yes - already bought a another P1 for another room.
    Optical is fine for a sound bar, IMHO. no need for higher res movie sound formats. although HDMI will make life easier next time.
    have not used blu rays in a while so don't miss DTS for now.
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    kostya2c
    Contributor I
    Dec 16, 2014 3:51 PM UTC
    Are these devices converting DTS into DD?
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